Walker endorses King

AUSTIN — Canadian school president Ken King, who faces Plainview’s state Rep. Jim Landtroop in the July 31 runoff in Texas House District 88, received a morale boost Wednesday.

Former Rep. Gary Walker of Plains, who also challenged the freshman lawmaker in Tuesday’s Republican primary but finished last in the four-candidate race, endorsed King.

“I am extremely excited to have Gary’s support,” King said. “He has a lot of supporters and had a great run.”

However, Landtroop downplayed Walker’s endorsement of King.

“I think it’s ironic that he ran his campaign about seniority but he’s endorsing my opponent who would have no experience,” Landtroop said of Walker, who made regaining his seniority (he served from 1995 through 2003) his main campaign issue.

Walker said he decided to endorse King because he does not think Landtroop has adequately represented his district and West Texas.

“Jim has not worked on the issues that I think make West Texas, West Texas,” he said.

“These are public education, water and rural issues.”

Pampa businessman Mac Smith, who finished third in the Tuesday’s Republican primary, said though Landtroop and King asked him for his support, he has yet to decide whether to do it or whom to back.

“I am thinking about it,” he said. “I want to consult with people whose judgment I trust before I make my decision.”